Sharpening Knives?

[CuriousGeorge]

Okay, so i'm what you would call a 'noob' to knives.

I'm getting a KA-BAR Black Tanto with a 8" inch blade.

Tell me everything you know about sharpening knives, preferably in a language I would understand.

What kind of stone would I use for the Tanto?

Is there a specific order in which to sharpen with different types of stones?

Also, caring for my knife, what kind of oil would I use for coating the knife? and how much?

 

[Bax Axe]

If you are new to sharpening, I highly recommend a spyderco sharpmaker. It is pretty foolproof and comes with a dvd that explains not only how to use it, but teaches you a few important tips that can help you when you decide to use flat stones.

 

[DennisStrickland]

go to section Maintenance, tinkering, & embellishment.

 

[Mossyhorn]

I agree that the Spydeco Sharpmaker is the way to go. If you need to you can buy the diamond rods. You won't need those for the KaBar.

 

[The General]

Sharpmaker vote here also.

If it has to be oil on the blade, Ballistol. Small squirt on either side, wipe with clean towel or cloth.

Otherwise, give it a good wipe down with Marine Sentry Tuf Cloth every time you put the knife away or after a good use and clean.

Only apply to a non contaminated knife, keep the cloth clean.

After several applications it will really start to protect the knife.

 

[cgmblade]

Read up in the maintenance section. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=794

There are a lot of threads on sharpening.

The Sypderco Sharpmaker is great for keeping a sharp knife sharp, but if you ever need to re-profile an edge it'll take a while. I know, I've done it and if I have to do it again I'll get some XXC diamond stones.

I assume your knife has 1095 steel. I'd recommend mineral oil. If the blade is coated you may only need the oil on the exposed edge. A very thin coating should do. Just be sure to clean and dry it after use and don't store it in a leather sheath.